Delta State born actor, Collins Onwochei said he never planned to be one. In this short interview with YES INTERNATIONAL! Magazine, he narrated how it all began. Plus other issues…
Please, introduce yourself.
My name is Collins Onwochei, I’m a producer and an actor.
What does production mean to you?
As a filmmaker, production is basically your life, it is the reason you are in business; it is putting your thoughts and emotions into pictures. Nollywood has come to a stage where we are moving from one progressive stage to another.
How do you merge producing with acting?
For us who have been in practice for more than two decades now, it’s just normal for you to aspire from being an actor to being an employer of actors, directors and other parts that make up a team. Have been producing right from when I started acting.
So, did you start producing before acting?
No, I started acting before producing. My first movies were Evil Passion, Circle of Doom, then I came back to produce Traffickers and the controversial Room 027.
What has been your most challenging role as an actor?
The role I played in Room 027, it was challenging.
What is the nicest thing that someone has said to you?
Give your life to Christ.
What are your likes?
Anything about my wife turns me on. And I love Jesus.
What are your dislikes?
I dislike when people gossip or talk about me, especially when those things are wrong.
What is the most controversial scandal you’ve found yourself in?
I am scandal – free, but a few months ago, I shot a movie for a little girl and (sighs). Let’s leave that. It’s not worth going back to. But it almost dragged me into the mud.
What distinguishes you from other actors and producers?
My brand is unpredictable, but I will always do the right thing.
The journey to stardom, how was yours?
The road wasn’t so rough for me. I was already in the limelight somewhere before getting into acting. I was in showbiz business, I was the second winner of Mr. Ultimate Nigeria. When I started acting, I wasn’t even interested. They just saw me and said this guy is good for the role and that was it.
So, you were into modeling before acting?
(Laughs) Let’s not go back to that history, but I was Mr. Yaba Tech and I was the second winner of Mr. Ultimate Nigeria, which is now Mr. Nigeria and we were the first set to represent Nigeria at the Mr. Universe preliminary stage, amateur category. I don’t know if it is still the same platform because it is almost 25 years down the line. I just walked into one set to see my sister and the roles started coming and coming.
What should we be expecting in your next film?
My next movie is called Preachers From Hell. I have not produced it yet, but it is a story about injustice by men of God.
Tell us about your family.
Wow! I have a lovely wife. I used to tell people that she is one of the best gifts God has given me. If there is any comforter apart from the holy spirit, it would be her. I also have three sons and a beautiful daughter. She is very beautiful. I used to tell people, “wait until you see her mum”. That’s my family. I am always busy, but when I am free, I love to spend time with my family and I love to go to church.
In the next ten years, what should we expect from you?
If God tarries, in the next ten years, Alpha Global Interlinks will change the face of entertainment in Nigeria. Bringing Nigeria together despite the challenges and creating a one Nigeria.
NB: First published July 2015